CVE-2018-5374 in Dbox 3D Slider Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Dbox 3D Slider Lite plugin through 1.2.2 for WordPress has SQL Injection via settings\sliders.php (current_slider_id parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5374 affects the Dbox 3D Slider Lite WordPress plugin version 1.2.2 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically resides within the settings\sliders.php file where the current_slider_id parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through crafted HTTP requests, potentially leading to unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector occurs when the plugin fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input from the current_slider_id parameter, enabling attackers to manipulate the SQL query execution flow. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it occurs within the plugin's settings management interface, suggesting that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges or access to sensitive configuration data.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin, as it can be exploited to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete content, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, post content, modify plugin configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft since the vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.2.3 or later, which addresses the SQL injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, conduct thorough security assessments of all installed plugins, and ensure regular updates to maintain protection against known vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database user permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, emphasizing the need for robust security practices in plugin development and maintenance.